ยท Strength for Service

Photo 1:Jonathan C. Butterfield, a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, receives a Strength for Service book at a worship service following his graduation from a helicopter school. He is joined by his wife, Rebekah Butterfield, and his parents, Fred and Janet Butterfield

Photo 2:Roger C. Collicott II, a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corp. begins his life as a helicopter pilot with a copy of Strength for Service. He is accompanied at a worship service by his parents, Thelma and Roger Collicott

Naval Air Station Whiting Field provides advanced helicopter flight instruction to all US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard helicopter flight students, as well as international students from several allied nations.

Students who successfully complete the program are awarded "Wings of Gold" before being assigned to operational helicopter squadrons all over the world. 

On the day they are presented with their wings, Chaplain Ray Summerlin holds an ecumenical service at the NAS Whiting Field Chapel where aviators have their wings blessed.  Every year, about 400 winged students, accompanied by more than 2,500 friends and family members, attend this service. 

Along with their wings, the students are presented a copy of Strength for Service to take with them on their next tour of duty.

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